India bans tiger tourism in core parks in bid to boost numbers

India's tigers have long been a key attraction for tourists heading to the country - with specialist protected parks offering the opportunity to spot the elusive cats.

But a new ruling by India's Supreme Court could see an end to the industry, after it banned tourism in core tiger parks in a bid to offer higher protection and boost their population.

The court also announced harsh penalties against six states who had not introduced 'buffer zones' around tiger habitats in their parks - a rule that was introduced back in April.

Burning bright: Spotting tigers is a key attraction in India for wildlife-lovers

The ban is set to hit hundreds of tourists' travel plans and comes after allegations that several states have permitted hotels, wildlife resorts and shops to be built within the forest reserves.

Conservationist Ajay Dube had filed a complaint, asking for commercial activity - including tourism - to be banned from the key parts of the forest reserves to allow tiger numbers to recover.

However, the tourism industry has hit back at the ban, saying the influx of visitors helps local communities and provides vital investment for the protection of the endangered animals.

Paul Goldstein, a wildlife expert and guide with travel company Exodus, branded the move 'lunacy'.

He said: 'The presence of tourists is not only a critical source of income it is also an essential deterrent for poachers and without these extra sets of eyes the tigers will be vulnerable and disappear.

Mr Goldstein said he has already started receiving cancellations from repeat visitors for next year, claiming that 'the rot has already set in'.

'Nowhere in the world can predators survive without tourism, tigers are no different except they are more vulnerable than any other cat. India is happy to brandish the tiger brand, but their government is about to be responsible for its demise.'